How to Talk with Your Teen about “13 Reasons Why”

The popularity of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, a fictional account of a teenage girl’s suicide death, has prompted concerns among parents and educators. In response, mental health and suicide prevention experts are providing guidance on how to help young viewers navigate its graphic content. According to Christine Moutier, chief medical officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), kids and teens who are at risk for suicide should avoid watching the series. It is recommended that parents and teachers engage youth in an open-ended, non-judgmental conversation and become familiar with suicide prevention information and resources available through organizations like AFSP and the Jed Foundation. Moutier warned that exposing the public to violent imagery and sensationalized messaging about suicide can reinforce stereotypes that are inaccurate and harmful, especially to those who are at risk for suicide or mental health problems. "No matter how much you try to defend a graphic portrayal of suicide to raise awareness, there is no way it will change the very real and dangerous suicide risk among the population that is vulnerable,” she said. “It's very tempting to use that kind of graphic portrayal, thinking you won't be able to drive your point home if you don't, but it's a harmful message."

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) is supported by a grant (1 U79 SM062297) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). No official endorsement by SAMHSA or DHHS for the information on this website is intended or should be inferred.